To Catch a Gust of Wind [COMPLETE]

Chapter 5 - S.I. is in the Heart [#21]

The years that had passed since Rafael left Silay Institute suddenly disappeared the moment he spoke and conversed with his former batchmates. First there was that uncomfortable but funny situation when Rafael kept on listening to endless stories of sadness and joy, luck or misadventures in life, only to realize that he had forgotten the name of the storyteller. Surely the faces were still familiar but the names escaped his memory. Was it that too long since he last saw them? He couldn't believe it.

Marlo Antonio, the singer, approached him. By now Rafael recognized him clearly. He still had that mellow voice made more resonant if accompanied by guitar.

"Hello, Raf, how are you? Didn't recognize you at first. This your first alumni homecoming, right?"

"Yep," Rafael replied. "Nice to see you again after 10 years. Seems like I have missed all the fun."

"Seems like you've been away most of the time. Where are you working by the way?" Marlo Antonio asked. Rafael was about to reply when somebody tapped his shoulders.

"Hello, Bro, long time no see. Look at you. You're looking good, Bro." There was no need for hesitation to recall the speaker's name or face. John still had that look. His gaze could shatter a woman's focus much like a teary- eyed singer's sweet song could melt a woman's heart.

Rafael turned and shook John's hand. "How are you, John?"

John stepped closer and gave Rafael a hug. They're still the best of friends in spite of the years that they didn't bother to make contact. They walked over to a corner and started a long exchange of stories of life, work, women, and adventures.

The room assigned to Rafael's batch was located at the far end of a long, narrow single-story structure. Plastic chairs and tables were arranged outside, in front of the door. At the center of the room was a long table where food, both home-cooked and take-out, were placed neatly side-by-side – spaghetti, pancit bihon, pork barbecue, chicken and pork adobo, caldereta, grilled bangus and tilapia, not to mention the dessert, buko salad and ice cream. And in the middle of the table, a medium-sized lechon was carefully placed, oil-soaked, its skin looked deliciously crispy. Below the table were cases of soft drinks and a cooler filled with iced-cold mineral water.

Lucy Ann called the attention of everyone to come inside and gather near the table. It's almost twelve o'clock noon. Somebody said a short prayer. Immediately after, someone started distributing paper plates and plastic spoons and forks. Lunch had begun.

Rafael enjoyed the food, sitting next to John and Lucy Ann. They exchanged stories about their lives, how everything came to be what they were now. Stories of the lives they had led so far, of adventures encountered and ambition achieved, of love unrequited and love unexpectedly found that led to exchanging of marriage vows. It was then that Rafael noticed something from the stories the two were narrating. Lucy Ann herself and Mark, Jack and Michelle, Arthur and Jane, and of course, MarloAntonio and Ella. They were sweethearts in high school and good for them they made it to the altar, what lovers' quarrels they had to put behind, Rafael could only guess. They had found partners for life; spouses they found without going too far to find. Love was just around the corner. Rafael knew then that love was just inside the classroom. He would have found it too if he had just for one moment paid attention to what and whom his heart really desired. But then other things had gotten in the way that it was misplaced and eventually repressed. He often wondered what would have happened if he had listened and gave way to the desires of his heart. What, indeed?

"We didn't hear from you after graduation. You just disappeared silently," Lucy Ann said. "Things have changed a lot since then. It might have gone easy if you had attended our alumni homecoming once in a while. Just like the rest of our batchmates."

"Yeah, sorry for that. The first few years after our graduation, I didn't know about the alumni homecoming. I missed all those times all of you got together. I just wish I can attend next time," Rafael said.

"Yeah, Bro," John butted in. "You're too busy to give us a little of your time. We'll see you again next year. Put it in your calendar."

John Marcus Romero. Rafael's closest buddy in high school. Intelligent, always bursting with energy, calculating in his decision and unwavering in his resolve. Once he sighted a target, he got it. How did Rafael know that about John Marcus? Well, he just knew, after all they spent four years together in high school as the best of friends. He had counted on him when things went south.

"Yeah, Bro. I won't forget it. Next time I'll bring someone along," Rafael said. He didn't mean to say it, but the words just came out suddenly. He was unsure whom he was referring to, and John was ready for the big question.

"Oh, you've settled down then, Bro. Who's the lucky girl? We've been sharing things, Bro, and yet you're not telling us you're married. Come on, Mr. Raffy Cruz, do tell us," John insisted.

"Yes, Raf, are you married?" Lucy Ann seconded.

"Nope," Rafael answered. "Far from my mind. I don't know why I said that. It just came out without me thinking about it."

"Oh, come on, Bro. You're hiding someone. Who's the lucky girl? Is she...?" John stopped in mid-sentence then finished it off. "You know whom I'm referring to."

"Don't push your luck, Bro. I'm not referring to anyone. Just came out of my mind, honestly," Rafael said.

"Okay, guys. You're spilling secrets now. I leave you for a while," Lucy Ann said. She left the two of them and went to the table for dessert.

"I have something to tell you, Bro," John spoke. He took a gulp of Coke he's holding. "I'll be leaving for Canada soon. I was accepted by a large accountancy firm. It's a big break for me. Wish me luck, Bro."

"Wow, you got your wish, Mr. John Romero. Congratulations. You made your parents proud. You deserve it. You really worked hard for it. Is that what you want since high school, right?" Rafael said.

"Yep, Bro. This is my dream. I plan to settle down as soon as everything is okay with me in Canada," John said. "Speaking of settling down, is Rica Suarez the lucky girl?"